Multiple Myeloma
Overview - What is Multiple Myeloma?
Our bone marrow contains stem cells which further multiply and form red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Among the different varieties of white blood cells, plasma cell is a type which helps you fight infections by producing antibodies or immunoglobulins.. When healthy plasma cells are converted abnormal plasma cells, it leads to a cancerous condition called as Multiple Myeloma which comes under umbrella of plasma cell disorders.
What causes Multiple Myeloma?
Myeloma cells not only completely overpower the healthy plasma cells and begin to multiply at an abnormal rate but also secretes abnormal immunoglobulins which can be detected with certain advance blood tests. Age and family history are seen as major reasons for Multiple Myeloma to develop. Sometimes, over exposure to radiation and obesity can also trigger in Multiple Myeloma.
Unlike some of the other types of cancers, Leukemia is more dangerous as the cancer cells can easily enter the blood stream and spread all across the body. This destroys the ability of normal blood cells to develop and enter the blood stream.
What are the symptoms and signs of Multiple Myeloma?
- Pain in your bones and joints specally low back pain
- Acute weakness and fatigue
- Sudden loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Feeling confused and uncertain
- Frequent infections
- Fracture of bone
- Weakness or numbness in your arms and legs
- Low Hemoglobin or platelets in CBC test
- Unexplained rise in creatinine level or deterioration of kidney function.
How is Multiple Myeloma treated?
- Medications ( during the very early stages with no visible symptoms)
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Bone Marrow Transplant, mostly autologous
- Supportive radiation therapy.
MEET OUR DOCTOR
With a renowned experience of 15 years, Dr. SK Gupta’s time in the field is the backbone of the Institute. Having started out as a medical student he eventually sprouted to performing over 250 bone marrow transplants to those suffering from blood disorders.
But his expertise does not end here.
He is specialised in various other arrays including Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Aplastic Anemia, Thalassemia and Sickle cell diseases, Hemophagocytic syndromes and so on.
An ongoing struggle globally is treating patients on time and Dr. SK Gupta’s morale hits exactly that very spot! He has dealt with cases where adults have been affected by the same by following his principle of giving timely treatment.